CHAPTER 1 The Sociological Point of View

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1 CHAPTER 1 The Sociological Point of ViewSociology4/15/2017CHAPTER 1 The Sociological Point of ViewSection 1: Examining Social LifeSection 2: Sociology: Then and NowChapter 1

2 Objectives: Section 1: Examining Social LifeDescribe what sociology is and explain what it means to have a sociological imagination.Explain how sociology is similar to and different from other social sciences.

3 Sociology and a Sociological ImaginationSection 1: Examining Social LifeSociology and a Sociological ImaginationSociology is the social science that studies human society and social behaviorA sociological imagination is the ability to see the connection between the larger world and one’s personal life

4 Comparing Sociology to Other Social SciencesSection 1: Examining Social LifeComparing Sociology to Other Social SciencesSIMILAR: examines the relations between society and culture, the individual economics, politics, and past events which are all the focus of one or more of the social sciencesDIFFERENT: sociologists are mainly interested in social interaction and tend to focus on the group rather than the individual

5 Objectives: Section 2: Sociology: Then and NowDescribe how the field of sociology developed.Explain how the focuses of the three main theoretical perspectives in sociology differ.

6 The Development of SociologySection 2: Sociology: Then and NowThe Development of SociologyThe rapid social and political changes that took place in Europe as a result of the Industrial RevolutionRapid growth of urban populations produced a multitude of social problemsOver time, it became more difficult to ignore the effect of society on the individualSweeping political, social, and economic changes caused some scholars to question the traditional explanations of life and attempted to prove their beliefs using a variety of methods

7 Three Main Theoretical Perspectives Differ in FocusSection 2: Sociology: Then and NowThree Main Theoretical Perspectives Differ in FocusFUNCTIONALISTS – see society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system; focus on functions and dysfunctionsCONFLICT THEORISTS – focus on forces in society that promote competition and change; see social change as an inevitable feature of societyINTERACTIONISTS – focus on how individuals interact in society and on the meanings individuals attach to their own and to other’s actions